NAVIGANTIS’ Post

A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association, now published in the journal Stroke, has reviewed data from six RCTs evaluating endovascular therapy for large-core ischaemic stroke—concluding that the data “reframe” the role of reperfusion therapies in these patients. Gonzalez Nestor Nestor Gonzalez Cedars-Sinai Joseph Broderick Wim van Zwam David Liebeskind Tudor Jovin Amrou Sarraj Philip Meyers

Endovascular therapy (EVT) has been shown to be 2 ½ times more effective than standard care for vertebrobasilar strokes—one of the most severe and life-threatening types of stroke. A meta-analysis of four randomized clinical trials, led by Dr. Raul Nogueira, director of the UPMC Stroke Institute, and published in The Lancet, delivers the strongest evidence yet supporting #EVT for these complex cases. This work, a collaboration among investigators in the U.S., Netherlands, and China, sets a new standard for treating these devastating strokes, offering hope for improved outcomes and independence. Read more: https://lnkd.in/df28StwT

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (#ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nerve cells that control movement throughout the body. Eventually, it leads to a gradual loss of the ability to stand, walk and use one's hands. It can also impair the muscles used for speech, resulting in a loss of understandable communication. For the past 20 years, the #BrainGate clinical trials have pioneered and tested new approaches to help restore communication and mobility for people with paralysis, including people with spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, and ALS. In a new study published in the NEJM Group, the BrainGate team at the University of California, Davis placed four small microelectrode arrays into the motor cortex of a 45-year-old man with severe dysarthria (problems producing speech) from ALS, hoping this would allow the man to communicate more quickly and easily simply by attempting to speak. In this Q&A, you'll hear from Leigh H., MD, PhD, the lead investigator in the BrainGate project and the director of the Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery at Massachusetts General Hospital. https://lnkd.in/d8kxY_zV

Paper-based sensor offers rapid cardiac diagnostics in 15 minutes

In this week's Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN) Minute, consider the potential for using ultrasound (US) in assessing spleen size in MPNs. A recent article by Pugliese et al studied this question in a small group of patients. The study authors comment, "...Our findings support the role of US into pre-screening assessments for clinical trials and practice, offering a pragmatic solution for evaluating SV in MPN patients and ultimately improving patient care and clinical decision-making in this complex disease landscape." https://lnkd.in/g6R2fPyE

4/17/24: Unlocking New Hope: Alzheimer’s Patients Join Amyloid-Targeting Therapy Study - The study is designed to assess the clinical utility and workflow benefits of Swoop® system images acquired at infusion centers and clinics to help physicians detect amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in Alzheimer's patients receiving amyloid-targeting therapy at the times specified in the labeling (before the fifth, seventh, and fourteenth infusions). Hyperfine, Inc. More on this at https://lnkd.in/eCQjy3t3

Exciting developments in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease! icobrain aria, developed by icometrix, has become the first and only FDA-cleared medical device for detecting, diagnosing, and monitoring amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)—a key safety concern in new amyloid-targeting Alzheimer’s therapies. Even more groundbreaking, this is the first computer-aided detection (CADe) and diagnosis (CADx) device to earn FDA clearance in the field of neurology. This technology not only enhances patient safety but also empowers clinicians to make more informed treatment decisions, making life-changing therapies safer and more accessible. Congratulations to the icometrix team and their collaborators for this major milestone in advancing care and improving lives! 🧠 Wim Van Hecke icometrix

MUL, IPSS, and clinical stage significantly predict urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy. Except for MUL, MRI measurements may not predict postoperative UI. A combination of IPSS, clinical stage, and MUL effectively informs patients about postoperative outcomes. These findings contribute to enhancing preoperative counseling for patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. #mpmrı #prostatecancer #prostatemrı https://lnkd.in/gY_Kmdsi

Exciting news in cardiac care! Boston Scientific has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cortex, Inc., expanding its electrophysiology portfolio with a cutting-edge diagnostic mapping technology. Developed by Ajax Health, Cortex’s OptiMap System is designed to identify additional atrial fibrillation (AF) drivers beyond the pulmonary veins—an innovation with the potential to transform the treatment of complex AF, which affects millions worldwide. OptiMap has demonstrated significant improvement in AF outcomes by guiding physicians to more precise ablation strategies, helping increase freedom from AF by 51% in a recent study. In the FLOW-AF clinical trial, EGF mapping identified AF sources in 60% of patients undergoing repeat ablations, with successful ablation achieved in 95% of these cases. Compared with standard pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone, PVI plus source ablation improved AF-free survival by an impressive 51% on an absolute basis. Read more about the trial here:

1. New clinical trials are starting for a spinal injury treatment using stem cell "bridges" made from patients' nasal nerve cells. 2. Spinal injuries affect millions globally, creating a high demand for effective treatments. 3. Previous methods involved injecting cells directly at the injury site, while the new trial uses 1-2 cm bridges of olfactory ensheathing nerve cells. 4. Olfactory ensheathing cells regenerate every 6-8 weeks, making them suitable candidates for spinal repair. 5. Past trials showed safety but faced technical challenges, with no significant recovery reported until now. 6. The new approach allows nerve bridges to be placed over scars, promoting better cell connection and growth factor secretion. 7. A third of trial participants will receive intensive rehabilitation instead of the new treatment for comparison. 8. There are hopes for broader applications of olfactory ensheathing cells in treating brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases in the future.